Jim Kleinsasser | Tight End

Latest News

Recent News

The Vikings intend to give Week 17 goal-line carries to TE/FB Jim Kleinsasser, who will retire after the season.

This is relevant for owners who play in Week 17. If the Vikings get down to the one-yard line, Kleinsasser will get the rock over Toby Gerhart. It's situations like this that make Week 17 a week to avoid in fantasy leagues. Wed, Dec 28, 2011 01:39:00 PM

Vikings TE Jim Kleinsasser confirmed that he plans to retire after the 2011 season.

The Vikings had interest in bringing back the 34-year-old impending free agent, but Kleinsasser wants to walk away "with two legs that work great and my head is still intact." A team leader and plus blocker, Kleinsasser has 192 career receptions for 1,688 yards. Fri, Dec 23, 2011 08:29:00 AM

There is reportedly a "growing belief" that impending free agent TE Jim Kleinsasser will retire after the season.

Kleinsasser turns 35 in January, and his offensive role continues to decline. After spending his entire career in Minnesota, it's believed that Kleinsasser has no interest in moving his family to another city if the Vikings don't want him back. Fri, Nov 25, 2011 06:55:00 AM

Vikings TE Jim Kleinsasser could be out of a roster spot in Minnesota after the team drafted Kyle Rudolph in the second round.

Kleinsasser, 34, has caught just 17 passes over the last two seasons and averaged a paltry 8.1 yards per catch. He has one touchdown since 2003. Kleinsasser is due a $3 million salary, and the Vikings' roster needs to get younger. Rudolph will be Visanthe Shiancoe's running mate in two-tight end sets. Versatile TE/FB Jeff Dugan could fill Kleinsasser's old role. Mon, May 23, 2011 01:36:00 PM

Depth Charts

Coach Mike Zimmer called Bradford day to day. He also confirmed Bradford will remain the team's starter despite Case Keenum's explosive Week 3. That's hardly surprising, of course. The tea leaves suggest Bradford is going to miss another game, leaving Keenum to start against the Lions.

Pro Football Talk reports Teddy Bridgewater (knee, PUP) will be healthy enough to play when first eligible to return Week 7 against the Ravens.

PFT reports the Vikings plan to "proceed with caution," suggesting Bridgewater will not be thrown into the fire even if he is healthy enough to play, but that could change if Sam Bradford (knee) continues to miss time. Case Keenum started and played extremely well in the Week 3 win over the Bucs.

Suspended WR Michael Floyd has been playing with the "Vikings’ top three-receiver package" and has made "several impressive sideline catches" in training camp.

Coach Mike Zimmer showed his support, saying "[Floyd looked] pretty dang good." Floyd is suspended four games, but he has a chance to make an impact after that in three-receiver sets. After showing potential in Arizona, Floyd's career has been spiraling downward. This suspension may have served as a wake-up call for the talented 27-year-old underachiever.